As you know, the FSA ID replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN in May 2015. The FSA ID is a username and password that is used to access certain Federal Student Aid websites. A student or parent uses his or her FSA ID to sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA&reg), log in to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information to the FAFSA, or sign a Master Promissory Note for a federal education loan, among many other activities.

We greatly appreciate the efforts financial aid administrators have already taken to educate students and parents about the FSA ID, and to encourage students and parents to create their FSA IDs. In particular, we appreciate efforts to reinforce that students and parents must make their own FSA IDs. While millions of users have created and used FSA IDs with no issue, the top reason for needing contact center assistance with an FSA ID remains that someone else created the FSA ID instead of the account owner.

To further assist you in your outreach, particularly with the start of the 2016–17 FAFSA application cycle approaching, we have created a number of FSA ID resources for your use:

What’s an FSA ID and Why Do I Need One?: A two-page fact sheet providing an overview of the FSA ID, where it can be used, how to create one, and some important tips.

Creating and Using Your FSA ID: An Overview: A PowerPoint presentation covering what an FSA ID is and who needs one, how to create an FSA ID, and how to troubleshoot common issues such as forgetting a username or password.

FSA ID Digital and Social Outreach: A document providing sample Facebook posts, tweets, blog content, and other digital resources that you can use in your online and social outreach.

How to Create an FSA ID: A tutorial video introducing the FSA ID and walking through the process of creating one. (Coming December 18.)

Note: We are offering a free webinar for anyone interested in learning about the FSA ID from 3–4 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, December 10. This webinar covers how to create an FSA ID, including information on linking a PIN to an FSA ID, and answers common questions about the FSA ID. Students, parents, and borrowers are welcome to participate. Registration is available at http://fsaregistration.ed.gov/d/hrqg8y.

FSA ID Assistance

FSA ID information, tips, and a link to create an FSA ID are available at StudentAid.gov/fsaid. Please direct students, parents, and borrowers who have questions about the FSA ID to that page. Assistance by phone, chat and e-mail is available from that page if people need more help.